D-law: relatively new database of Hong Kong litigation, includes schedules of hearings, more comprehensive than other databases but still not complete; links to company registration database and to judgments; has database on distraint cases (i.e. those filed against delinquent tenants) and others.

For civil cases: writs of summons (say who sues whom and why), mostly available for inspection and copying at the HK Supreme Court

Land & property records

Hong Kong Land Registry: searches can be done online for a fee or at the registry itself at at High Block, Queensway Government Offices. Records list present and past owners, transactions (sale of property and price); mortgage details (bank name, amount)

Hong Kong Town Planning Board: posts applications to build or demolish new structures or to change land use; applications for land use change available for inspection and comment online and offline; Town Planning Board meetings – minutes ad audio recordings – available usually in about three weeks after the meeting; building and development plans also available

Company records

Hong Kong

Integrated Companies Registry Information System (ICRIS): for-pay database kept by the Hong Kong Internal Revenue Department allows searches by company or director name. Annual returns list board members, their addresses and passport or ID numbers. Searches can be done in English or Chinese.

Hong Kong Exchange: posts interim & annual reports of listed companies as well as required disclosures (e.g. acquisition of more than 15% of shares of a company, change of senior executives)

Follow Blog via Email

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Search for:

About Me

I have my feet in two worlds. For many years, I was the director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism in Manila. In 2006, I moved to New York to teach at Columbia University, where I am director of the Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism. I’ve taught journalists in Asia, Eastern Europe and elsewhere and am an avid watcher of investigative reporting. This blog draws from my work, both past and present. It looks at how watchdog reporting is being done around the world; it also contains reflections on what I think is a golden moment for investigative reporting, but also a moment fraught with challenges and threats. -- Sheila S. Coronel